Sometimes, the obvious things to do might not be the best ideas. And in some cases, can be more of a hindrance than a help. So what can you do that will genuinely help Ukraine?

Money in many forms

The top priority – and something we can do easily from home – is donate money. The Red Cross and the UNHCR Refugee Agency are two obvious choices. Here is a link from the Ukrainian Institute London that includes a long list of reputable charities to choose from, all of which make sure your money will go where it is really needed. The aid workers on the ground in Ukraine and its borders are well placed to ensure this happens.

For cryptocurrency users, the Ukrainian vice prime minister Mykhailo Federov has posted crypto wallet addresses where people can securely donate, such as Uniswap, DMarket and Solana Foundation. Federov has called on all crypto exchanges to block the addresses of all Russian users and praised those who have stepped up. Binance has not joined in, with the CEO citing “financial freedom” and “libertarian” reasons, so that might be one to avoid.

Getting money there directly

A clever way to help out is to pay for stays in Airbnbs in Ukraine where people are being housed for free by generous hosts. Here is some information from Airbnb about how you can donate this way.

Also, Etsy is waiving all fees for Ukrainian sellers, so you can buy digital products direct. Obviously it’s not a great time for people to be making extra things. But you can pay for downloadable stuff like crochet patterns, art, colouring pages, posters, and so on. Search ‘digital files’ on Etsy.com, click ‘All filters’, then under the location section, add Ukraine in the custom box, and voila.

What kind of stuff can you actually donate?

The crisis in Ukraine is not an excuse to clear out your wardrobe. Or offload the bag of stuff you were going to give to the charity shop that has been sitting in the boot of the car for months. In most cases, you are better off giving old clothes, toys and household items to a local charity.

The refugees are streaming into developed countries such as Poland and Hungary where they are being provided with clothes and blankets as well as places to stay.

The things that are really needed are medical supplies and sanitary products. It can be hard for people who don’t work in medical procurement to obtain medical supplies in the quantities needed. So it is often better to donate money to charities and organisations that are equipped to do this.

When you’ve left everything you know behind because of war, keeping in touch with friends and family becomes critical

Sanitary products, such as pads, tampons, nappies and wet wipes, are always welcome when people are crossing borders en masse often with just the clothes on their backs and whatever they can carry. If you are keen to donate things rather than money, these are the sort of items you can drop off to local donation points. And be safe in the knowledge that they should get to people who need them.

Some organisations are also collecting foodstuffs, such as tinned goods, rice, pulses etc, but check. Not everyone is taking the same stuff.

Cheap burner phones with pre-loaded SIM cards are another way to help out. When you’ve left everything you know behind because of war, keeping in touch with friends and family becomes critical. A lot of European telcos have stepped up to offer free data, minutes and phones to refugees. Check your own provider to see what they’re doing to help and whether you can get involved.

Make your voice heard

If you’re less than impressed with the government’s response to the growing humanitarian crisis, write to your MP. They are obliged to reply to every letter from their constituents. And it has never been easier to send off a strongly worded missive. WriteToThem is a simple way to make sure your email lands in your MP’s inbox.

And of course it is important to stay informed. On Twitter, it is easy to follow the UK journalists who are doing some fine reporting from the frontline. But also seek out Ukrainian journalists who are giving a voice to people who are quite literally under fire. Reporters Without Borders is a great place to find out about the heroic reporting that is coming from locations. Locations far more dangerous than Silver’s cushy offices. As we write in safety and comfort, our hats are off to these brave reporters who are doing amazing work to keep us all informed.

Ukrainian Institute London
Red Cross Ukraine campaigns

Georgia Lewis

In a career that has spanned Australia, the Middle East and the UK, Georgia has written about all sorts of things, including sex, cars, food, oil and gas, insurance, fashion, travel, workplace safety, health, religious affairs, glass and glazing… When she’s not writing words for fun and profit, she can usually be found with a glass of something French and red in her hand.

The post How to genuinely help the people of Ukraine appeared first on Silver Magazine.

London, the late 80s. Smoky fug and sticky floors at the Astoria. Boisterous crowds and monkey boots. And music. This is largely what I remember from my late teens before I discovered house music and ecstasy; sweating it out over pints of strong lager and men twice my height to see bands that I loved. And probably top of the list for that live experience was Cardiacs.

When The Fall’s Mark E Smith died recently, threaded through the slightly sycophantic grief was the observation that with the music, you either got it, or you didn’t. And actually I think that’s a fair statement. But nothing could be more true of Cardiacs either. If you ‘got it’, the music was a violent funfair ride of extraordinary genius. If you didn’t, it probably sounded like your worst nightmares, performed by insane bullies in romper suits and clown makeup.

If you ‘got it’, the music was a violent funfair ride of extraordinary genius. If you didn’t, it probably sounded like your worst nightmares

If I’m honest, Cardiacs is a bit of both. At the foot of this article are some opportunities to hear some Cardiacs if you haven’t already. Because everyone should. But seeing them live was where the real magic happened. I’m kicking 50 now and I’ve seen a lot of live music, but I don’t think anything has ever come close to the frenetic energy of Cardiacs, smashing through insane chord and tempo changes, wonky basslines, soaring anthemic keyboards, thrashing punk guitars and lilting proggy melodies. There’s no category for their music, and nobody should even try. Far better writers than me have had a go. There’s no point.

The shows would often open with the kind of track that should be the crescendo. No messing around here, or meandering from the bar as the thing started. You were in it from the start or you might as well fuck off. There was always a sensation that you were somehow caught between playful and sinister – the stage might be covered in flowers, the band dressed like children – but singer Tim Smith, with skinhead shorn close, in badly fitting suit, would be maniacal, shrieking into the mic and scowling or grinning darkly.

The gigs always included him savagely bullying bandmate Jim, exhorting the crowd to chant “Jim, Jim, Jim.” I used to feel unhappy for him as Jim’s head would bow sadly, like the fat kid in a playground, trying to hide. Thanks to a misreport in the Sunday Sport, for a long time it was rumoured that bandmate Sarah Smith was Tim’s sister, rather than his wife, and I’m sure he derived great pleasure from the shock it gave audiences to see him kissing her on stage. It was a fairly dark world.

The finale would often finish with confetti canons and balloons raining from the ceiling – a touch of Disney in a world of Dante

I’m probably not painting this in a very good light – writing it down makes it sound brutal, and it was. But it was also uplifting and thrilling, from start to finish. The finale would often finish with confetti canons and balloons raining from the ceiling – a touch of Disney in a world of Dante. And the music – for me – was pure genius. It’s not often one can call a thing absolutely unique but here it is folks. And if you can find anything close, I’ll bet it’s not as good. The only artist I can think of who sits in the same zone in terms of complex musical wizardry might be Zappa. But it doesn’t follow that if you like one, you’ll like the other. And Zappa was a bit of a wanker anyway. Tim seems largely to have generated a lot of love.

The band was formed in 1977 by Smith who enlisted – amongst others – embattled brother Jim on bass (although nobody ever knew if he could actually play it), and by 1984 they had what most fans consider to be their best line-up, which included Tim’s wife Sarah on vocals and sax, William D Drake as keyboardist extraordinaire, Tim Quy on percussion and bass synth, and Dominic Luckman on drums. Their first big gig came in 1984 when they opened for Marillion, but it wasn’t exactly a resounding success – it seems Marillion fans didn’t particularly ‘get it’. But nonetheless, in ’88 Cardiacs released what would be their most successful and enduring album, A Little Man and a House and the Whole World Window. What followed in the next 20 years was an extraordinary slew of music and performance with an impressive discography, and the spawning of several other projects.

Their history is lengthy and peppered with insanity. You can read the full backstory on Wiki here. The reason I’m writing about this – other than to enjoy an excuse to trawl through their extensive back catalogue very loudly and scare my own teenager, is because Tim Smith needs help.

It seems an odd phrase to write. But it turns out that this vital, magic puppet master, with his childlike noise and energy and berating; this scornful and humorous jester leading the merry dance is no less fallible than any of us, and in 2008 Tim Smith – ironically – suffered a massive cardiac arrest which has knocked the stuffing out of him somewhat.

Tim Smith – ironically – suffered a massive cardiac arrest which has knocked the stuffing out of him somewhat

The resultant complications and ongoing rehabilitation have been difficult – with many pondies (as fans are called) waiting breathlessly for him to get better and back up on the stage again. But the reality is that this is unlikely. He’s really not very well. In a release from the Alphabet Business Concern management team, we understand that he has “severe brain damage and a condition called dystonia. Mentally he’s as sharp as ever. His ability to move and speak, however, is minimal. Funding shortfalls and bureaucracy have seen his rehabilitation grind to a halt, along with his ability to make music.”

Speaking to The Quietus last year, Tim explained “Some days I can cope with it, if I’m mentally able to. I’ve not even told the kidz which I’m pretty ashamed of and all I can say is that I’m sorry. I had no idea how much I actually meant to all these incredible people and have been trying to know what they mean to me.

“The only way I can try and let you know how I feel at the moment is… imagine if you were wearing a skintight bodysuit made of fishnet all around you with electrical pulses going all the time. This is what my body feels like unless I fall asleep. This I have called my digital pain and bashing my head or something what hurts loads or any sort of normal pain, like toothache, I call analogue. Also, I can’t write or hold a pen or use a computer.”

Tim Smith 2017 by Sarah Mayer

We’ve lost an awful lot of musical stars over the last two or three years. Tim is still here, but fixing him is complex. He has repeatedly rejected pleas from those close to him to make public exactly what’s wrong, but it seems he’s finally capitulated and allowed his loved ones to ask for the help he actually needs. And the outpouring of love and support has been phenomenal. As has the press coverage and backing of fans and famous faces alike. It’s heart-warming.

I can’t remember how many times I saw Cardiacs, or possibly count the happy hours I’ve spent listening to their music. I’m saddened that it seems possible this might be it for Tim’s creativity but I definitely feel I owe him a thank you, and if there’s even a small chance of fixing at least part of what’s broken, we should have a go. At the very least if it improves his condition, let’s get on with it.

And so there is a crowdfunding campaign. Bless them – they started out asking for a very small amount but it became apparent very quickly that people were happy to donate and so they moved the total, and you can read much more about the treatment on the funding page. Modestly, the request is still only for enough money for a year’s treatment. But it’s a start, and they’re nearly there. If you want to donate, the link is here and also at the foot of this article.

Not much exists in the way of video footage of this band’s early days. It was the 80s after all, so a huge thanks to Stephen ‘Paynie‘ Payne for letting me share this extraordinary film.

“Many moons ago, I used to hang out with The Cardiacs. A stranger, more talented bunch I have yet to find. We shot this video in a room about 10ft x 10ft, 6 band members and me. It was hot and crowded, but some full of wonderfulness, I couldn’t sleep that night. It’s a great cover version of an old Kinks song. I edited it on 2 3/4″ decks over the next week. I still love it and would not change a frame.”

I’ve been playing Cardiacs pretty much during the whole writing of this article. Which could mean it’s disjointed, a bit distracted and possibly hard to read. If that’s the case, my work is done.

Tim Smith Crowdfunding campaign

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post Cardiacs – Tim Smith’s starry skies appeared first on Silver Magazine.

It’s absolutely heart-breaking. The world is watching on in horror as an area the size of most of England is burning in Australia, and it’s hard not to feel helpless. But you can help – and it’s very simple. They need funds to keep fighting, and to create safe spaces for both people and animals fleeing the inferno.

MONEY, NOT CLOTHES

Donations of clothing etc are not what the country needs right now – Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has urged people to pledge money, saying they don’t have the time, space or people to sort through items.

“I don’t want to appear harsh in any way, but we don’t need any more clothes, food, trucks on our roads,” he said.

So here’s how you can help…

Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund

Donations are being accepted through the general disaster relief fund, which goes to helping those affected by bushfires, heat, floods, cyclones and other emergencies.

Money – relief funds

Bendigo Bank Bushfires Disaster Appeal (Endorsed by Vic Govt)

Bendigo Bank’s charitable arm has set up a national fund, and six other funds for each state. All money will go to those who have lost everything for immediate relief. The Victorian government has endorsed the Victorian fund, and added $2 million to it on Sunday.

Kangaroo Island Mayor’s Relief Fund (Endorsed by SA Govt)

The South Australian premier and Kangaroo Island mayor have endorsed a relief fund set up to aid the recovery of the bushfire-ravaged island.

The State Emergency Relief Fund (SERF) has also been launched for those affected by the Adelaide Hills fires at Cudlee Creek and beyond.

State fire services

Donations can be made to the state-funded rural fire services. Some states allow pledges to individual brigades.

* Victoria: CFA Donate

* NSW: NSW RFS donate

* South Australia: CFS donate

* Queensland: RFBAQ donate

Fallen firefighters’ families

Donations can be made via Support firefighter families on the NSWRFS site.

Celeste Barber’s donation page

More than half a million people from across the globe have pledged more than $30 million to the NSW RFS through the Australian comedian’s Facebook fundraiser.

Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund

Donations are being accepted through the general disaster relief fund, which goes to helping those affected by bushfires, heat, floods, cyclones and other emergencies.

Salvation Army

The Salvos are providing meals to evacuees and first-responders through the Salvos bushfire appeal.

Animals and Wildlife

It’s been approximated that over 480 million animals have been killed in the fires.

The RSPCA bushfire appeal will support pets, livestock and wildlife in the affected regions.

And the World Wildlife Fund is accepting donations to help support conservation activities – especially for koalas.

The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital has raised more than $3 million for affected wildlife in the Victoria area, initially to distribute automatic drinking stations to help thirsty koalas and support wildlife survival. The organisation is now sharing the funds with other wildlife groups across the fire affected regions. You can donate here.

NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) say they received more than 20,000 calls in December alone, up 14 per cent. You can donate here.

Mogo Zoo has raise $50,000 where they are working to protect the animals in their care, and donations can be made through Mogo Zoo Fire Recovery.

On South Australia’s Kangaroo Island, as many as 25,000 koalas are feared dead and thousands more injured. South Australian Veterinary Emergency Management (SAVEM) has been activated to manage the wildlife rescue effort and is working with other groups in fire-affected regions.

Donations can be made to SAVEM here or the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park on GoFundMe.com.

Items

Queensland-government-backed Givit is coordinating donations of items across Australia.

Accommodation

Accommodation provider Airbnb has activated its Open Homes program in New South Wales and Victoria, offering a place to stay to those affected by the fires. Those needing help or wanting to list their home can do so here (New South Wales) or here (Victoria).

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The post How you can help and donate – Australian bushfires appeared first on Silver Magazine.